I removed the load leaf. the stock u-bolts are not long enough to have it on there. i might get bigger u-bolts and put the load leaf back on. it just doesn't seem good to not have that in there. but a few of the people who's opinions i trust have told me it is only neccessary if you are carying really heavy loads.
as for the feel of them without the custom bumper....mine is not on there right now, i am running the stock bumper right now as my custom bumper is being worked on up at Skid Row. it feels fine to me. i imagine it'll be different with the bumper on though.
the rancho 9116s are eh limiting factor in my setup. with the shackles and the AALs, i bottom them out. which is fine for the moment, cause otherwise i would have to lengthen the brake lines and diff breather.
and yes i got them from a 4x4 shop. anyone that carries rancho products should be able to get them i would think.